A Woodland Reflection on Morning Practices
This morning, as I stepped out of my car and into the quiet embrace of the woodland, I paused, breathed in deeply, and noticed the subtle shifts that signalled my arrival. The scent of the earth, the birdsong, the stillness. This small act, this moment of presence, is part of my morning ritual.
We often speak about routines, but I find myself more drawn to the idea of practices or rituals, habits done with intention, not just efficiency. Morning practices, especially in later life, can offer a sense of grounding, renewal, and conscious transition into the day.
For me, once I’m at the wood, I head to my Lotus Belle tent and begin with a small act of care. I sweep the steps and the wooden base, brushing down the canvas to remove any twigs or leaves. I open the tent door, let in the air, and sit for a few minutes—just breathing, noticing, arriving. These movements are simple, but they mark the shift from doing to being.
At home, it’s harder. Home still carries the imprint of work, years of coaching, writing, planning. Even though I’m consciously moving into a different rhythm now, my house often pulls me back into productivity mode. That’s why nature helps. The wood doesn’t ask anything of me. It just welcomes me back.
You might have your own rituals too, perhaps a coffee before checking emails, a short walk, a bit of journaling, stretching, or even dancing around the kitchen. Some practices are inherited from younger versions of ourselves, but they may not serve us now.
Later life offers a powerful invitation: to reshape how we begin and end our days.
What if the way you arrive each morning could help you feel more anchored?
What if your evening wind-down allowed for a more peaceful close to the day?
Personally, I avoid caffeine after lunchtime and wind down with a calming herbal drink. It’s not elaborate, but it works. My invitation to you is simple: reflect on how you begin and end your day. What parts nourish you? What might be ready for a shift?
You don’t have to overhaul everything. You might just try one small change, a mindful pause, a gentle breath, a cup of tea enjoyed without distraction.
If this has stirred any thoughts, you’re very welcome to share them. You can watch the short woodland video that accompanies this reflection.
